The Kentucky Castle is a must-see while visiting Lexington. | Photo by @thekentuckycastle
Itching to get out of town, Columbusites? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Lexington, KY instead. From sampling bourbon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to touring The Kentucky Castle — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the 859.
📍 Essential info
Drive time: ~3 hours Year city was established: 1775 Est. population: 321,793
The Kentucky Castle
The picturesque medieval-style castle sits on 100+ acres. Tour the castle, book a guided farm experience, or just stop by for pictures.
Try the Kentucky Colonel Boy at Windy Corner Market. | Photo by @windycornermarket
🍔 Eat
Windy Corner Market
Dine in the heart of horse farms at this spot owned by Ouita Michel, a six-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee.
Dudley’s on Short
Find brunch, lunch, and dinner options with a rooftop patio that is excellent in warmer months.
Lockbox
Enjoy Southern dishes like smoked grits and carp in downtown Lexington. The restaurant is located inside of the 21c Museum Hotel.
Bring the whole family for a private farmland stay at the Private Country Estate. | Photo by Vrbo
🏨 Stay
O’Neal Cabin
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic and cozy cabin sleeps six.
Lexington’s Carriage House
This 1855 home has been recently renovated and is within walking distance to Rupp Arena.
Private Country Estate
This 5,000-sqft gated home sleeps 10 and overlooks Bluegrass farmland.
Wait a minute, Columbusites. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and grab a coffee from North Market Downtown. Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting Lexington.
Asked
Poll
When deciding on a road trip destination, what is the maximum amount of time you want to spend driving?
A. 1-3 hours
B. 4-6 hours
C. 6+ hours
D. None, I prefer to fly
Spring Wine Tasting | Monday, March 27 | 5-7 p.m. | Barcelona Restaurant, 263 E. Whittier St., Columbus | $20 | Sample 20 wines, which will all be available by the bottle as well.
Bunny Gnome | Monday, March 27 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette Short North, 691 N. High St., Ste. 101, Columbus | $37 | Create an Easter-themed gnome with supplies and instructions provided.
Tuesday, March 28
Worthington Bourbon Tasting | Tuesday, March 28 | 5-9 p.m. | Worthington Tavern, 671 High St., Worthington | $20 | Sip on five bourbons that have yet to be showcased at previous samples.
A $28 million townhouse + apartment complex is headed to Reynoldsburg with construction beginning this summer. The project will bring 126 apartment units and 24 townhomes to a seven-acre property at 1122 Lancaster Ave. (Columbus Business First)
Try This
Wonderball returns to the Columbus Museum of Art on Friday, May 19 + tickets are now on sale. The upscale experience celebrates local creators, including musicians, artists, and stage performers.
This is a whole new way to kick back. An adult kickball league hosted by Columbus Recreation and Parks is nearly here; Registration opens on Friday, March 31. The seven-week season begins Sunday, April 23.
Environment
Celebrate Earth Day with Green Columbus on Saturday, April 22 at Genoa Park. The zero-waste event will feature kid-friendly activities and local vendors from 12-5 p.m., followed by live music + food trucks until 9 p.m. Keep the eco-friendly vibes rolling by volunteering at community clean ups next month.
Sports
Ohio State women’s basketball defeated UConn and now faces first seeded Virginia Tech. This is the first time since 1993 that the Buckeyes have made the Elite Eight, and you can catch them in action tonight at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
Finance
Experts at The Ascent have sorted through hundreds of credit cards so far this year. And their top five bonus cardsare (cue drumroll)... these five. *
Seasonal
Has spring sprung in your home yet? If you’re looking to get outdoors, these wipeable tablecloths are just begging for some alfresco dining, and these garden and herb labels will get you in a planting mood. Plus, this viral birdfeeder practically brings the birds inside with you.
We’ve already talked to you about community gardens in Columbus, but today we’re breaking down how to start your own. Did you know that the City of Columbus has land set aside available to transform into community gardens? Read on to find out how you can affect change — beautiful, green, delicious change — by starting a new garden in the community.
Shop properties + apply
The city’s Land Redevelopment Division accepts applications to use available Land Bank properties as community gardens. Once you’ve found the land parcel you wish to license, drop off or mail in your application — applications are accepted year-round. You’ll need to include details like a site plan, how you’ll make property improvements, and how you’ll fund the project. See the full list of application requirements.
I have to give a shoutout to LEXtoday for all of their amazing suggestions about the road trip to Lexington. It sounds like so much fun I might have to take the trip myself.
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